Stepfamily Realities

Book excerpt: This practical and supportive handbook breaks down the myths surrounding stepfamily relationships and offers workable tools for solving common problems. Stepfamily "newlyweds" generally face a number of challenges unique to their situation. Many couples are overwhelmed by the unresolved anger they carry from previous marriages and by their children's resentment of "intruders"; family life may be complicated by visiting and resident stepchildren.In this straightforward guide, psychologist Margaret Newman helps readers examine their key relationships, identify potential conflicts, and understand how problems arise, as well as what to do about them. Jealousy, personal boundaries, discipline, communication skills, money issues, sexuality, a new child-these are just a few of the many issues Stepfamily Realities addresses.